Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I've mentioned it before, but I am more of a "quality over quantity" type of purse owner. I enjoy admiring the neon colors and bright prints that I see women carrying when the kids and I are out and about... but am content knowing that they're just not me.

I'm more of a classic handbag type of girl. I want to own purses that are created out of high quality leathers and fabrics, are comfortable and easy to carry, have the right amount of room that I desire without being bulky and will have a sense of eternal stylishness.

Of course, it doesn't hurt if they're a bit trendy — enough to be fashionable while still being timeless, though. In short, I want to purchase a bag that can be used for years to come... but not spend a fortune doing it.

Currently, the site that fulfills all of those wishes (and more) for me by combining fashion, function, style and affordability is none other than Emilie M.

Offering the perfect handbag to complement your style and your budget, Emilie M is an online brand of handbags that have been gaining more and more attention since their debut. With over 3,000 bags sold in less than three months, it is clear that these bags are easily fitting into women's lifestyles — and who isn't looking for a beautiful, functional, versatile and quality handbag at an affordable price?

With a line of fashionably styled pieces that come with unparalleled customer service, it's difficult to not fall in love with Emilie M and their large line of totes, satchels, hobos, double shoulders, cross bodies, purses and pocketbooks. It's hard to not get lost browsing their website and seeing purses in every different shape and size!

Even though I love the timeless silhouettes, soft and rich animal-friendly materials and multi-organizational function of just about all of the Emilie M handbags, I was thrilled to unwrap the Blair Small Satchel, as I had no doubt that it was going to be exactly what I was looking for in a handy, versatile bag.

Both convenient as well as chic, the Blair Small Satchel combines form as well as function in a compact, easy-to-carry package.

Available in Cognac Brown, Emerald Green and Spice Orange, I actually expected the Emerald to be more of a turquoise simply because the website showed a shade that looked quite blue to me. However, even though the vivid green was a surprise, I was told recently that this shade of green is the "it" color for 2013, so I was happy that I would be prepared to be right in style!

I realize that this bag shows up turquoise in my photos as well, but I'm telling you! It's GREEN!

Right away I was happy with the size (14.2" x 13.4" x 6.3") of the Blair Small Satchel and how it would easily fit into just about every aspect of my day-to-day style.

The textured, simulated lizard skin (no animals harmed!) is smooth, luxurious and shows off the color variations perfectly. Plus, the fact that it is so easy to care for (simply wipe it clean!) is essential for someone like me who always seems to end up with something sticky or gooey mysteriously on my purse.

As well as admiring the outside of this bag, the quality stitching, the strong zippers, the convenient zippered outer pocket, the sturdy handles and detachable shoulder strap, and added detailing of the brushed gold hardware accents...

...the space and organization in the inside is just as great.

Along with the complementary colorful satin lining, the main compartment of the Blair Small Satchel has proven to be the perfect amount of space for my needs. Whether I am toting my wallet, phone, planner, extra socks, a snack, camera or just about any other essentials, they store right in the middle without being overly large or bulky.

At the same time, there is a small zippered pocket for change on one side and two small open pockets on the other side that are perfect for my phone and another small item such as a compact or mp3 player.

It's so easy to slip any of my possessions into one of these pockets or the center compartment and know that they will be protected, readily available and, with the strong zippers, completely safe and secure.

All in all, I love the high quality and extreme versatility that the Blair Small Satchel has provided. This bag works on so many levels and, whether I am dressed casual and pair this with jeans to go shopping or take it with me for a dressier night out, everything I need stays organized, incredibly easy to access, and stylish!

Emilie M is built to be an online brand of handbags that allows women to accessorize luxuriously on any budget. Amidst all the clutter in a department store, rich prices make it hard for women to fall in love with a bag they can afford. So, while the Blair Small Satchel has the same look, feel and quality of a $200+ handbag, it retails for only $70!

Emilie M's stylish collections are exclusively available through their online shop, where you are sure to find that many of their beautiful styles offer an attainable fashion statement without blowing your budget. As well as finding Emilie M at EmilieMShop.com, you can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to drool over even more of their amazing bags.

(Other than the Blair Small Satchel that I was provided by Emilie M, I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this company and this product.)

Wow! They have some very nice handbags at great prices. I've been thinking of getting a new handbag, as I have one I use year round and would like a bit of style change once in a while - this is a good one to shop at!!!